UGA Beat Writer

Former Georgia offensive lineman Keith Johnson died Friday in Athens, according to the school.

Johnson was 49. The Tifton Gazette reported that he died of an apparent heart attack.

The Irwin County High product saw significant playing time on the 1982 SEC championship teams and was Georgia’s starting center in 1983 when it went 10-1-1 and won the Cotton Bowl.

He was matched up with William “Refrigerator” Perry of Clemson in 1984 when he started several games but sprained his hip during the season, redshirted in 1985 and finished his career as a backup in 1986.